Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

This is Part 2 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

(For a general introduction to the greenway system in Roanoke, you may want to first visit a previous post.)

Distance (Part 2): approx 1/2 mile

Last time, Part 1 ended at about the 1/2 mile mark as we continued traveling along the border of Wasena Park. The Roanoke River is to the left of the pathway, beyond a orange construction netting and at the bottom of the hill.

Up ahead is the Wasena Bridge and I can tell that the greenway will lead underneath. But, I also found a little park area nestled directly beneath the bridge.

Approaching the Wasena Bridge from the Roanoke River Greenway

The Skate Park

Below the Wasena Bridge, encased in high fencing, there is an area that’s been built by the city that’s dedicated for use by skateboarders. The support columns for the bridge are used to create ramps, and there are other railings and smaller ramps throughout the area.

There’s even a small set of bleachers outside the fence on the other side for onlookers or parents to sit and wait or watch.

The Skate Part in Roanoke underneath the Wasena Bridge

After passing under the Wasena Bridge, in order to stay on the actual greenway path, I will keep to the left. Just ahead is where the trail connects with Wiley Drive near the intersection with Winona Avenue.

I notice a bench for those needing a short break, and there are several more benches scatterred at various points along the greenway.

View of the Roanoke River Greenway

In the vicinity of this particular bench, I also saw a young tree with a small plaque in front. And upon a closer look I realized that this tree was part of the Roanoke Commemorative Tree Program, where residents can purchase a tree in memory of a friend or loved one and even have some input on where the tree is planted.

The First Bridge

By now, the roaring sound of the Roanoke River has become increasingly lounder and the water is in my sights. The first river overpass is just ahead.

Approaching a Roanoke River bridge on Wiley Drive

As I approach the bridge and begin walking a section of Wiley Drive I see that there’s a median that separate the 2 sides of the road. As I came to find out cars are only permitted on Wiley Drive when traveling South (the same direction we’re going). The road is one-way with no North bound or return traffic allowed.

So, if you walk on the right side in this direction you may have to keep a lookout for passing cars coming up from behind. But on the left side (traveling south) there is no access for automobiles.

While standing on the bridge I spent several moments looking out into the river that was flowing away from me. Then, I noticed a rather large part of a tree trunk had been lodged in some rocks just below and in front of my feet.

Of course I had to investigate a little bit further. So, I hopped down to some cement landing below and right next to the flowing water. The current was fairly strong, but the log was much more stubborn and was not about to budge.

Now, that’s some piece of driftwood.

Continuing onward we’re about to come upon the second park which is nestled on some open land in-between the river and railroad tracks.

In Exploring Roanoke - The Roanoke River Greenway (Part 3) we’ll discover this park and venture slightly off the greenway path in search of some more familiar wildlife scenery closer to the river.